Basketball Sizes: A Quick Guide for All Levels of Play
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NBA and College Basketball Sizes
Basketball sizes vary by age, gender, and level of play. The official size of the basketball used by the NBA is 29.5 inches in circumference. That’s the same size used throughout men’s college and high school basketball leagues. The WNBA uses a slightly smaller ball, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference.
For international play, specifically FIBA, the basketball used is what’s called a Molten GL7 for men and Molten GL6 for women. These basketballs typically feature two different colors and are slightly bigger, with a 30.7-inch circumference for the men’s ball and a 29-inch circumference for the women’s.
Youth Basketball Sizes
Boys in middle school (or ages 12-14), use a 28.5-inch ball, as do all women and girls ages 12 and up. For anyone, male or female, between the ages of nine and 11, a ball size of 27. 5 inches in circumference is recommended and is the most commonly sized ball used in youth basketball leagues.
Boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 8 use a basketball between sizes of 22 inches and 24.5 inches in circumference, depending on the individual’s hand size, which can be determined by a coach or parent by measuring from the bottom of the individual’s palm to the tip of his or her middle finger.
Basketball Inflation and Pressure Regulations
An NBA basketball must be inflated to a pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 PSI. The WNBA uses the same pressure regulations.
In the NCAA, inflation requirements are given in weight, with the men’s ball having a maximum weight of 22 ounces and the women’s ball having a maximum weight of 20 ounces. In FIBA play, the official rules state that the ball “be inflated to an air pressure such that, when it is dropped onto the playing floor from a height of approximately 1,800 mm measured from the bottom of the ball, it will rebound to a height of between 1,200 mm and 1,400 mm, measured to the top of the ball. ”
What is the Diameter of a Basketball?
A standard NBA basketball has a diameter between 9.43 and 9.51 inches. In the WNBA, the basketball has a diameter of between 9.07 and 9.23 inches. Basketballs used in the NCAA are between 9.39 and 9.55 inches for men and 9.07 and 9.23 inches for women.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Basketballs (a.k.a. “Street” Basketballs)
Basketballs used for indoor and outdoor play differ in their material. Indoor basketballs are made of full-grain leather; basketballs meant for outdoor use are made of rubber.
Though basketballs made for indoor use may initially feel smooth to the touch, after a few uses, they become somewhat broken in and easier to grip, much like a baseball mitt. Leather basketballs should not be used outside because the concrete surface of an outdoor basketball court causes the leather to roughen and wear, which eventually ruins the ball’s grip.
Some indoor basketballs are made of composite or synthetic leather. The upside is that they don’t need to be broken in like a regular leather ball. But generally speaking, the quality is not as good.
Outdoor, or “street” balls, employ a rubber surface because it can absorb the rougher surface of a concrete court without sacrificing the ball’s grip. A rubber ball is also a good choice for beginners because it is the easiest ball to control.
Best Selling Basketball Brands
The three best-selling basketball brands are Spalding, Nike, and Wilson. As the official ball of the NBA, Spalding is perhaps the most recognized basketball manufacturer. Nike and Wilson are also popular thanks to the variety of textures, technologies, and color schemes they offer.
A typical official-size men’s basketball retails on average between $30 and $60. Both the NBA and WNBA use Spalding basketballs, while the NCAA and most youth leagues use Wilson. As mentioned previously, FIBA and international leagues use Molten as their basketball provider.
READ MORE:
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NBA and College Basketball Sizes
Basketball sizes vary by age, gender, and level of play. The official size of the basketball used by the NBA is 29.5 inches in circumference. That’s the same size used throughout men’s college and high school basketball leagues. The WNBA uses a slightly smaller ball, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference.
For international play, specifically FIBA, the basketball used is what’s called a Molten GL7 for men and Molten GL6 for women. These basketballs typically feature two different colors and are slightly bigger, with a 30.7-inch circumference for the men’s ball and a 29-inch circumference for the women’s.
Youth Basketball Sizes
Boys in middle school (or ages 12-14), use a 28.5-inch ball, as do all women and girls ages 12 and up. For anyone, male or female, between the ages of nine and 11, a ball size of 27.5 inches in circumference is recommended and is the most commonly sized ball used in youth basketball leagues.
Boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 8 use a basketball between sizes of 22 inches and 24.5 inches in circumference, depending on the individual’s hand size, which can be determined by a coach or parent by measuring from the bottom of the individual’s palm to the tip of his or her middle finger.
Basketball Inflation and Pressure Regulations
An NBA basketball must be inflated to a pressure of 7.5 to 8. 5 PSI. The WNBA uses the same pressure regulations.
In the NCAA, inflation requirements are given in weight, with the men’s ball having a maximum weight of 22 ounces and the women’s ball having a maximum weight of 20 ounces. In FIBA play, the official rules state that the ball “be inflated to an air pressure such that, when it is dropped onto the playing floor from a height of approximately 1,800 mm measured from the bottom of the ball, it will rebound to a height of between 1,200 mm and 1,400 mm, measured to the top of the ball.”
What is the Diameter of a Basketball?
A standard NBA basketball has a diameter between 9.43 and 9.51 inches. In the WNBA, the basketball has a diameter of between 9.07 and 9.23 inches. Basketballs used in the NCAA are between 9.39 and 9.55 inches for men and 9.07 and 9.23 inches for women.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Basketballs (a.k.a. “Street” Basketballs)
Basketballs used for indoor and outdoor play differ in their material. Indoor basketballs are made of full-grain leather; basketballs meant for outdoor use are made of rubber.
Though basketballs made for indoor use may initially feel smooth to the touch, after a few uses, they become somewhat broken in and easier to grip, much like a baseball mitt. Leather basketballs should not be used outside because the concrete surface of an outdoor basketball court causes the leather to roughen and wear, which eventually ruins the ball’s grip.
Some indoor basketballs are made of composite or synthetic leather. The upside is that they don’t need to be broken in like a regular leather ball. But generally speaking, the quality is not as good.
Outdoor, or “street” balls, employ a rubber surface because it can absorb the rougher surface of a concrete court without sacrificing the ball’s grip. A rubber ball is also a good choice for beginners because it is the easiest ball to control.
Best Selling Basketball Brands
The three best-selling basketball brands are Spalding, Nike, and Wilson. As the official ball of the NBA, Spalding is perhaps the most recognized basketball manufacturer. Nike and Wilson are also popular thanks to the variety of textures, technologies, and color schemes they offer.
A typical official-size men’s basketball retails on average between $30 and $60. Both the NBA and WNBA use Spalding basketballs, while the NCAA and most youth leagues use Wilson. As mentioned previously, FIBA and international leagues use Molten as their basketball provider.
READ MORE:
Basketball Court Dimensions and Hoop Height: A Quick Guide
Helpful Stretches for Basketball Players
AAU Basketball, Explained
How to Build a Basketball Body
Share This Story!
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Size Of An NBA Basketball: Laws, Regulations And Rules
What size is an NBA basketball? This question comes up often as NBA enthusiasts and NBA players themselves wonder what size a regulation NBA ball should be. The answer may surprise you, but the NBA has a rather complicated history with basketball sizes! In this blog post, we will go over the specific dimensions of an NBA-sized ball.
As well as the rules associated with these balls in the NBA. We will also mention other leagues such as NCAA, WNBA, and the FIBA that use different basketballs for their games.
What is the Official NBA Basketball Size?
NBA regulations state that the diameter of a regulation NBA-sized ball is between 9.43 and 9.51 inches. With a circumference of 29.5 inches (size 7). The weight must be between 20 and 22 ounces. Depending on the surface it will be used on as well as for indoor or outdoor games.
The History of Basketball Sizes in the NBA
The above dimensions were made official in 1979 by the FIBA. Which was then adopted by NBA later that year after the National Basketball Association merged with what had been called the World Basketball League. To form what we know today as simply “the NBA”.
Before this date, there were no guidelines at all for an NBA-sized ball! So how did they end up choosing these specific sizes back in ’79? And why do other leagues have different sizes? Let’s go back in NBA history to find out!
Years of Progressing
In the NBA, basketball size was originally based on a “inches” system. In order from smallest ball to largest, players would start with a 25-inch circumference (similar in size to what is used today for indoor volleyball).
And progress up every inch until they reached their desired 29.5-inch circumference of regulation NBA balls (used since 1979). This included smaller balls like 27-, 28- and 29-inches along the way.
Official in 1979
However, these were not made official by NBA standards until after 1979. When the FIBA came into play with its regulations that were adopted by NBA later that year. The inclusion of these measurements helped standardize game time conditions across any league or court. As it would now be easier for NBA players to adjust to a ball that played differently on an international court or in a smaller NBA arena.
The NBA has always been extremely open about its basketball sizes and rules regarding them over the years. This is likely because rule changes with size have had such huge impacts on games before. And even what we know of today. At one point, official NBA-sized balls were 15 inches around! In 1979 when the league began using regulation 29.5-inch balls.
They also introduced “smaller” ones for indoor use along with outdoor 27-inch ones. Beginning in 1984 however, all types of official NBA basketballs switched back to the now-familiar 29.5-inch (size 7) regulation size. NBA players today are pretty used to using these sites, but what about other basketball leagues?
Other Leagues’ Basketball Sizes
The NBA is not alone in having specific ball standards for its game. Other international and national leagues around the world also have their own rules on NBA-sized balls (and courts). For example, WNBA uses a smaller circumference standard.
Players at any level playing with NBA-sized balls could find themselves at an advantage or disadvantage. Depending on how they adjust to this different rule. The FIBA has two slightly different types of approved “international” sized balls. One that measures 29.5 inches like the NBA and one that is 28.5 inches.
NBA size balls are used in the FIBA-sponsored international tournaments such as the Olympics and World Championships for both women’s and men’s teams. But can be purchased by any player or team to use them outside of these competitions at their own risk.
The NBA does not officially endorse this. NBA ball sizes also vary from those used in NBA Developmental League games. Which measure a slightly smaller 27 inches around.
NCAA Basketball
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) also has its own NBA standard basketball size rules for all of its games. NCAA-sized balls are 29.5 inches in circumference and weigh 22 ounces, the same as those used in the NBA-sized.
These smaller diameter sizes were first made official by United States Rubber Company back in 1901. As a “regulation” basketball to be used for high school teams with 11 players on each side; then later adopted by NCAA colleges starting around 1938!
Since NBA regulation is the same, at 29.5 inches, there’s no issue here. College/university students use this specific NBA-standard size while playing within their university or college leagues. Hence, they would not need to adapt if they ever wanted to play outside of them.
aau
NBA-sized balls are also used in AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) games alongside other leagues around the world. This can make it easier for players to adjust back to switch leagues.
WNBA
The WNBA uses a slightly smaller circumference ball than NBA at 28.5 inches (size 6) but weighs the same as an NBA one at 20 ounces; this makes them more comparable in size with the FIBA’s official “international” standard of 28. 5 inches across that has been adopted by many women’s leagues outside of its rule over top division league play like EuroLeague Women or Japan Basketball League (JBL).
FIBA
FIBA has two slightly different NBA sizes for their official international competition: one measures 29.5 inches and the other 28.5 inches across–this is to accommodate both men and women, as its rules specify that these can be used interchangeably (either way round).
The FIBA allows NBA-sized balls to be used in any of its competitions; but, since those who play with them outside of this must do so “at their own risk,” NBA does not officially endorse such use.
Recommended Basketball Sizes by Age
Basketballs come in different sizes for different age groups. What’s the right size for you?
Recommended NBA-sized basketballs are available in several age groups in the image below;
Basketball recommendations can vary by manufacturer so be sure to pay attention when purchasing your next basketball if you’re not using the specific NBA type of regulation item already.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NBA-sized balls are 29.50 inches in circumference and NBA regulations require that only these particular sized basketballs be used when playing within the NBA league or any other sanctioned event by NBA rules.
Whether playing with friends on the local court or taking part in any sort of official competition that calls for use of either NBA-sized or FIBA ones, NBA size basketballs can be purchased in NBA team colors to suit any player’s tastes.
We hope you enjoyed the article on NBA basketball size and found any resources helpful! We’ll be writing more articles on this website soon, so feel free to come back anytime if you liked what you read about NBA basketballs or need help with something else! Thanks for reading our blog post.
Here are Some of our Favourite Basketball Sneakers
Here we will be giving more of an opinion, rather than facts. Are the sneakers worth the price that they are being sold at? Should you upgrade from your current sneakers, depending on what boots you own? What features stand out on these sneakers? If any. Does it do the job? Speed, control, stability etc. Depending on your needs/preferences. We can also mention its durability, if we have collected enough data on the specific sneakers.
What did we expect vs. what we got. Is it maybe overrated/underrated?
Elite
Here’s our pick from the very best of the bunch.
Pro
On your way to the pro leagues? Here’s our pick.
Beginner
Want something to start with? Have a look at our pick.
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”
As mentioned previously, FIBA and international leagues use Molten as their basketball provider.
These basketballs typically feature two different colors and are slightly bigger, with a 30.7-inch circumference for the men’s ball and a 29-inch circumference for the women’s.
5 PSI. The WNBA uses the same pressure regulations.
Indoor basketballs are made of full-grain leather; basketballs meant for outdoor use are made of rubber.
As the official ball of the NBA, Spalding is perhaps the most recognized basketball manufacturer. Nike and Wilson are also popular thanks to the variety of textures, technologies, and color schemes they offer.
The answer may surprise you, but the NBA has a rather complicated history with basketball sizes! In this blog post, we will go over the specific dimensions of an NBA-sized ball. 
As it would now be easier for NBA players to adjust to a ball that played differently on an international court or in a smaller NBA arena.
For example, WNBA uses a smaller circumference standard.
NCAA-sized balls are 29.5 inches in circumference and weigh 22 ounces, the same as those used in the NBA-sized. 
5 inches across that has been adopted by many women’s leagues outside of its rule over top division league play like EuroLeague Women or Japan Basketball League (JBL).
Does it do the job? Speed, control, stability etc. Depending on your needs/preferences. We can also mention its durability, if we have collected enough data on the specific sneakers.
He will be able to play at his level for another two or three years,” the functionary said. 
" ". Former Secretary General of the Hellenic Basketball Federation is accused of raping an employee everything is already finished” 10 
